Gilas Pilipinas Boys remains in contention for a podium finish after navigating a challenging group stage in the 2026 B.League Under-16 Challenge Cup in Tokyo, Japan.
The young Filipino squad secured a place in Thursday’s battle for third after finishing second in Group A with a 2-1 record at Sumida City Gymnasium, setting up a bronze medal showdown against Fukuoka.
The campaign has highlighted the team’s resilience, bouncing back from its lone defeat with an emphatic performance to keep its hopes of bringing home a medal alive.
Gilas opened the tournament by defeating Chiba, 91-81, behind a dominant outing from La Salle Green Hills standout Sam Esomchi, who imposed his will on both ends of the floor with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and two blocks. Dwayne Madrigal and Lawrence Copia also provided solid support with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Momentum, however, was halted in the team’s second assignment against Ryukyu.
The Filipinos struggled to recover after surrendering the lead just 10 seconds into the contest and eventually trailed by as many as 13 points before halftime. Although Esomchi and Brielle Salazar ignited a comeback attempt after the break, Gilas could not overcome the explosive scoring of Ryukyu’s Eiji Oshiro, who erupted for 36 points, while Yuito Kawamitsu added 26 in a 73-66 victory.
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【U16】TODAY’S GAMES
インフロニア B.LEAGUE U16 CHALLENGE CUP 2026 最終日
ひがしんアリーナ
観戦無料
B.LEAGUE公式YouTubeで配信https://t.co/iHpELOeM0w
DAY2の試合レポートはこちら
https://t.co/ERQvtRJ9qF#インフロニア #Bリーグ pic.twitter.com/5vF6lsSY44
— B.LEAGUE（Bリーグ） (@B_LEAGUE) July 30, 2026
Instead of allowing the setback to derail its campaign, Gilas responded with its most complete performance of the tournament.
The Filipinos overwhelmed Tachikawa, 105-79, behind a balanced offensive attack that saw six players score in double figures. Lawrence Copia paced the squad with 19 points, while Zap Ong added 17. Jayson Mercado contributed 15, Josh Saga chipped in 14, and both Esomchi and Salazar finished with 12 points apiece.
Through three games, Esomchi has established himself as one of the tournament’s most productive players, averaging 19.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks to lead the national team.
Now, Gilas has one final opportunity to cap its Tokyo campaign on a winning note when it takes on Fukuoka for the bronze medal.
The Philippines will also be looking to continue its strong tradition in the tournament after FEU-Diliman captured the championship in last year’s edition, proving that the country’s next generation of basketball talent can compete with Japan’s best.
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